State govt sets up probe

MUMBAI, March 18: The state government today set up a high-level committee, headed by Housing Secretary V P Raja, to probe into the Sukhsagar building collapse at Malad. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months, the Chief Minister told the Assembly today. Joshi said he had also ordered a comprehensive survey of buildings constructed between 1980 and 1983, as the cement shortage during this period had resulted in large-scale adulteration.

8220;I was told by officials that since the cement prices had crossed the mark of Rs 135 per bag, Sagol, a cement-like substance, would be added to the cement to save money,8221; he said. Offences under section 304 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code have been registered against five persons, including the repair contractors S Ibrahim and Maqdoom, added Joshi. As no repair and reconstruction board exists for the suburbs, no regular survey of old and dilapidated buildings is carried out. The government also does not possess a status report on suchbuildings, admitted Joshi.

Earlier, speaker Datta Nalawade asked the government to fix responsibility for the tragedy. 8220;The BMC should examine whether the building8217;s structural capacity was examined before it was granted an occupancy certificate,8221; said Nalawade, former mayor.